Ergonomic load bearing garments and garment systems

ABSTRACT

A load bearing wearable garment comprising a garment configured to cover at least a portion of a user&#39;s upper torso, the garment having at least one rear pocket adapted to receive at least one article therein, and an integral load bearing system adapted to support weighted articles contained in said pocket and redistribute forces resulting therefrom.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for manually supporting and transporting loads. More particularly, the present invention relates to load bearing garments and associated garment systems for supporting and transporting weighted articles or loads, and protecting a wearer from the environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need or desire to manually carry items from one point to another, remains, for most, an often encountered issue. Although the size and weight of a number of electronic devices, such as notebook computers and PDAs, have been reduced, manually transporting such devices still remains an issue for many.

As is well known, briefcases are often employed to manually transport articles from one point to another. Briefcases can, however, be very expensive and, in many instances, too bulky for everyday use.

On a smooth, even surface, such as an airport terminal, wheeled bags or carrying cases can also be used to transport articles (or loads). On uneven terrain, however, wheeled bags are difficult to maneuver and, in many instances, ineffective.

A further drawback and disadvantage of briefcases and wheeled bags is that such carrying devices must be carried or pulled by hand.

Various apparatus and garments have thus been employed to manually support and transport weighted articles, while not detracting from the freedom of hand and arm movement. The apparatus and garments include, for example, utility vests, backpacks and wearable garments, such a jacket.

As is well known in the art, the primary objective of most wearable garments, such as a jacket or vest, is to provide protection from the environment for the user or wearer. The wearable garments do, however, typically include one or more packets for carrying miscellaneous items. The size and load bearing capacity of the pockets are, unfortunately, quite limited.

Backpacks also have several drawbacks and disadvantages. A major disadvantage with all backpacks is that, the backpacks provide minimal, if any, protection from the environment when worn. Thus in inclement weather, e.g., cold or wet, a coat or jacket is typically required to provide protection from the environment.

Further, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to control the load placement and distribution with most commercially available backpacks; particularly, the larger capacity backpacks. Moreover, some users also have a tendency to throw their backpack over one shoulder, which can, and in many instances will, result in orthopedic and muscle pain and injury.

Additionally, when standing still, the static force exerted by the backpack (and load therein) on the body is simply equal to the weight of the backpack and its contents. However, peak forces exerted on the body can increase dramatically to as much as 2-fold greater than the static force when one starts to walk or run while wearing the backpack. This increase is due to the requisite alternate deceleration and reacceleration of the load, which must track the vertical movement of the hips on every step. These high, and sometimes jarring, peak forces are transferred to the joints and connecting musculature, resulting in orthopedic and muscle pain and injury.

It would thus be desirable to provide wearable garments and associated garment systems that are adapted to effectively support and transport loads, and protect a wearer from the environment.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and associated garment systems that are adapted to support and transport loads, and provide protection from the environment, while not detracting from the freedom of hand and arm movement.

It is another object of the present invention to provide ergonomic load bearing and energy absorbing wearable garments and associated garment systems that are adapted to support and transport loads, and provide protection from the environment, while not detracting from the freedom of hand and arm movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and associated garment systems that are adapted to support and transport loads, and provide protection from the environment, while not detracting from the freedom of hand and arm movement. In some embodiments of the invention, the wearable garments also include means for dissipating energy or load peaks.

In one embodiment of the invention, the load bearing wearable garments generally comprise a garment adapted and configured to cover at least a portion of a user's upper torso, the garment including at least one rear pocket adapted to receive at least one article therein, and an integral load bearing system adapted to support weighted articles contained in said pocket and redistribute forces resulting therefrom.

In some embodiments, the load bearing system includes at least first and second cooperating pairs of internal straps.

In some embodiments, the load bearing system includes first and second internal straps.

In some embodiments, the load bearing system includes energy absorbing means for reducing peak forces transferred to said user's body.

As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and associated garment systems of the invention provide numerous advantages compared to prior art methods and systems for manually supporting and transporting weighted articles (or loads). Among the advantages are the following:

-   -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that significantly enhance the load         bearing capability of the wearable garments.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that provide protection from the         environment.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that facilitate proper anatomical         distribution of exerted forces resulting from weighted         article(s) disposed in or on the garments.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that facilitate proper posture by a         user.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that include energy absorbing means         that reduces peak forces transferred to the body.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that substantially reduce the risk of         orthopedic and muscle pain and injury from forces exerted on the         body by weighted article(s) carried in or on the garments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and in which like referenced characters generally refer to the same parts or elements throughout the views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of one embodiment of a wearable garment (an iVest™), in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wearable garment shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the wearable garment shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wearable garment shown in FIG. 1, having a dual strap system to secure the rear pocket flap, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of the wearable garment shown in FIG. 1, having a second rear pocket, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wearable garment, having an internal rear pocket, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wearable garment (an iJacket™), in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the wearable garment shown in FIG. 7, having a dual strap system to secure the rear pocket flap, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a rear, partial cut-away view of one embodiment of a load bearing garment, showing the rear straps of the load bearing system, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10A is a front, partial cut-away view of the load bearing garment shown in FIG. 9, showing the front straps of the load bearing system, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10B is another front, partial cut-away view of the load bearing garment shown in FIG. 9, showing adjustable front straps, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of one embodiment of a strap engagement assembly, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 12 is a further front, partial cut-away view of the load bearing garment shown in FIG. 9, showing the engagement of the front and rear straps of the load bearing system, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 13 is a front, partial cut-away view of another embodiment of a load bearing garment, showing the first ends of the left and right continuous straps of the load bearing system, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 14 is a rear, partial cut-away view of the load bearing garment shown in FIG. 13, showing the second ends of the left and right continuous straps of the load bearing system, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 15 is a front, partial cut-away view of another embodiment of a load bearing garment having continuous left and right straps, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 16 is a rear, partial cut-away view of the load bearing garment shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 17 is another front, partial cut-away view of a load bearing garment shown in FIG. 9, showing the engagement of the front and rear straps of the load bearing system to a user, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 18 is another front, partial cut-away view of a load bearing garment shown in FIG. 13, showing the engagement of the continuous straps of the load bearing system to a user, in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 19 is a front, partial cut-away view of a load bearing garment shown in FIG. 9, showing two-piece compliant front straps of a load bearing system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified garments, apparatus, systems, structures or methods as such may, of course, vary. Thus, although a number of garments, apparatus, systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred garments, apparatus, systems, structures and methods are described herein.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to be limiting.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.

Further, all publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Finally, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a telemetry communication” includes two or more such communications and the like.

DEFINITIONS

The term “strap”, as used herein, means and includes any elongated, flexible member having a tensile or yield strength greater than at least 20 MPa.

The term “garment”, as used herein, means and includes any outer covering for the body that is adapted to cover the upper torso of the body, including, but not limited to, vests, jackets and coats.

The following disclosure is provided to further explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of performing one or more embodiments of the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the inventive principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and associated garment systems of the invention substantially reduce or eliminate the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with conventional methods and systems for manually supporting and transporting loads. As discussed in detail below, the ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and associated garment systems are adapted to support and transport a broad range of loads, while substantially reducing the risk of injury to the user (or wearer). The wearable garments and associated garment systems also provide protection from the environment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, there is shown several embodiments of wearable garments that can be employed within the scope of the present invention. The illustrated garments were developed by and available through MyKeyno LLC (San Leandro, Calif.).

Referring first to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown one embodiment of a wearable garment or vest 10 a, referred to as an iVest™. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vest 10 a includes front and rear panels 12, 16, and, as discussed in detail below, at least one, more preferably, a plurality of external and/or internal pockets.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front panel 12 of the vest 10 a includes conventional closure means, such as a zipper, snap or button arrangements. In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 12 includes a snap arrangement having plurality of snaps (i.e. male and female snaps) 15 that are designed and positioned to close the front panel 12 and secure the vest 10 a to the wearer's upper torso.

As indicated, in a preferred embodiment, the vest 10 a includes at least one, more preferably, a plurality of external and/or internal pockets. According to the invention, the pockets can comprise the same or different sizes and be disposed at various external and/or internal positions on or in the front and/or rear panels 12, 16 of the vest 10 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in some embodiments of the invention, the front panel 12 includes two external pockets (or pockets having external openings) 14 a, 14 b.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments of the invention, disposed on the rear panel 16 of the vest 10 a is at least one external, integral pocket 18 that is designed and adapted to receive and secure one or more articles therein. In some embodiments, the pocket 18 is large enough to receive and secure a notebook computer therein.

The pocket 18 thus preferably includes at least one external pocket opening 19, which, in some embodiments, is disposed proximate the top of the pocket 18, and an external panel 17. In some embodiments, the pocket opening 19 extends at least across the entire width of the external panel 17, and, in some embodiments, partially beyond.

In some embodiments, the pocket 18 includes closure means, such as a conventional zipper or snap arrangement, that is adapted to close the pocket opening 19, when desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in some embodiments of the invention, the rear panel 16 also includes a pocket flap 20 that is sized and positioned to cover the pocket opening 19 and at least the top portion of the pocket 18. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket 18 and flap 20 assembly includes closure means that is adapted to maintain contact of the flap 20 to the pocket 18 and, hence, closure of the pocket opening 19 when the vest 10 a is worn.

According to the invention, the flap closure means can comprise various convention closure arrangements and systems, such as snap and zipper arrangements, and magnetic and Velcro® systems. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a conventional Velcro® system is employed to facilitate closure of the flap 20. In some embodiments, a dual strap system 22, as shown in FIG. 4, is employed to facilitate closure of the flap 20.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in some embodiments of the invention, the rear panel 16 includes at least one additional external pocket 24 and an associated pocket flap 26. According to the invention, the pocket 24 can comprise various sizes and shapes, and can be disposed at various positions on (or in) the rear panel 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket 24 and flap 26 are disposed on the outer panel 17 of the first pocket 18.

In some embodiments, pocket 24 similarly includes at least one pocket opening (not shown), which, in some embodiments, is disposed proximate the top of the pocket 24. In some embodiments, the pocket 24 also includes closure means, such as a conventional zipper or snap arrangement.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown another embodiment of a vest 10 b, wherein the rear panel 16 includes at least one internal pocket 28 having an external opening 30 proximate the top thereof. According to the invention, the internal pocket 28 can similarly comprise various shapes and sizes.

In some embodiments, pocket 28 includes closure means, such as a conventional zipper or snap arrangement, that is adapted to close the pocket opening 30, when desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket 28 includes a zipper arrangement 31 that is positioned to facilitate closure of the pocket opening 30.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, in some embodiments of the invention, the wearable garment of the invention comprises a sleeved garment or jacket 10 c, 10 d, referred to as an “iJacket™”. According to the invention, each jacket 10 c, 10 d can be similar in design and construction as vests 10 a and 10 b, described above, with the inclusion of sleeves 32.

In further envisioned embodiments, the wearable garments of the invention comprise a hooded garment. According to the invention, the hood can be integral to or selectively removable from the base garment.

According to the invention, the wearable garments of the invention, including vests 10 a, 10 b and jackets 10 c, 10 d, and internal and external pockets, including pockets 18, 24, can be constructed of various conventional materials/fabrics and combinations thereof, such as wool, Polyester®, Acrylic®, cotton, rubber, Nylon®, silk, an animal skin and synthetic fiber. By way of example, in some embodiments, the outer layer of the wearable garments comprises Polyester®.

In some embodiments, the wearable garments include an inner liner, which similarly can be constructed of various conventional materials/fabrics and combinations thereof, such as wool, Polyester®, Acrylic®, cotton, Nylon®, silk, etc.

As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the wearable garments of the invention can thus be constructed to provide optimum comfort and protection from the environment.

The ergonomic reinforced or load bearing wearable garments and associated garment systems of the invention will now be described in detail. Since the load bearing and energy absorbing systems of the invention can be employed with any of the aforementioned wearable garments, in the interest of brevity and minimization of any risk of obscuring the features and concepts of the invention, the load bearing wearable garments and associated garment systems of the invention will be illustrated and described in connection with only one wearable garment, the vest (or iVest™) shown in FIGS. 1-3.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, there is shown one embodiment of a load bearing garment of the invention. Referring first to FIGS. 9 and 10A, the illustrated load bearing system includes a pair of front 40 and a pair of rear 42 straps having strap engagement means disposed on the ends 41, 43 thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front 40 and rear 42 straps can comprise various widths and thickness; provided, each strap 40, 42 has a tensile or yield strength of at least 20 MPa. The straps 40, 42 can thus be constructed of various conventional fabric materials, such as Nylon®, fiber reinforced cloths, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the straps 40, 42 are constructed of Nylon®.

According to the invention, the front straps 40 are securely engaged to the interior surface of the front panel 12 by conventional means. In some embodiments, the first (or top) ends 45 of each strap 40 is sewn or stitched to the interior surface of the front panel 12 (see FIG. 10A).

Referring to FIG. 10B, in some embodiment of the invention, the interior surface of the front panel 12 includes strap adjustment means for adjusting the horizontal placement of the first ends 45 of the front straps 40. In some embodiments, the adjustment means comprises a plurality of female snaps 48 of a snap system (that are disposed in desired horizontal positions), which are adapted to receive a male snap 49 disposed on each end 45 of the front straps 40.

In a preferred embodiment, the rear straps 42 are similarly securely engaged to the interior surface of the rear panel 16 by conventional means. In some embodiments, the first ends of the straps 47 are also sewn or stitched to the interior surface of the rear panel 16 (see FIG. 9).

In a preferred embodiment, the straps 40, 42 include strap engagement means adapted to removably secure the second or loose ends 41, 43 of straps 40, 42. According to the invention, various conventional strap engagement means can be employed within the scope of the invention to facilitate secure, yet removable, engagement of straps 40, 42.

In a preferred embodiment, the strap engagement means comprises an adjustable male/female clip assembly, such as the clip assembly 50 shown in FIG. 11. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the clip assembly 50 includes a male end 52 that is adjustably engaged to one end of a strap, in this instance ends 43 of rear straps 42. The clip assembly 50 further includes a female end 54 that is securely engaged to one end of the mating strap, in this instance ends 41 front straps 40.

As is well known in the art, the female end 54 of the assembly 50 is designed and adapted to receive the male end 52 therein, whereby the male end 52 and, hence, strap 42 engaged thereto, are removably secured to the female end 54 and, hence, strap 40 engaged thereto (see FIG. 12).

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, there are shown additional embodiments of load bearing garments of the invention. Referring first to FIGS. 13 and 14, the load bearing system in this embodiment includes continuous straps; preferably, right and left continuous straps 60, 62.

In some embodiments of the invention, the straps 60, 62 are stitched to the interior surface of the front and rear garment panels 12, 16 (as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). In some embodiments, the stitching is continuous, i.e. extends from the front 12 to rear panel 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, in the illustrated embodiment, the garment 10 a includes left and right reinforced strap pockets (or guides) 68 a, 68 b. According to the invention, each pocket 68 a, 68 b is sized and positioned to receive a respective one of the straps 60, 62 therein and guide the strap (i.e. 60 or 62) therethrough.

According to the invention, each strap also includes conventional strap engagement means to secure the first end of each strap 60, 62 to the opposite end thereof. In a preferred embodiment, each strap 60, 62 similarly includes the adjustable male/female clip assembly 50 shown in FIG. 11.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 15, in some embodiments, the female end 54 of the clip assembly 50 is securely engaged to a first end 64 of each strap 60, 62. As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the male end 52 of the assembly 50 is adjustably secured to the second or opposite end 66 of each strap 60, 62.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, when the load bearing garments of the invention are appropriately adjusted and worn by the user 100, the engaged straps 40, 42 and 60, 62 are preferably disposed under the arm proximate the juncture of the arm and chest (i.e. arm pit) of the user, whereby any load exerted by an article or articles in the pocket 18 is supported and appropriately positioned by the engaged straps 40, 42 and 60, 62. According to the invention, the engaged straps 40, 42 and 60, 62 can support in the range of 20-80% of the load exerted by an article or articles in the pocket 18 (and/or pocket 24 and/or any additional pocket), depending on the adjustment of the straps 40, 42 or 60, 62. Thus, a balanced load bearing garment, i.e., 50% of the exerted load borne by the load bearing system, 50% of the exerted load borne by the garment, can be readily achieved by virtue of the load bearing systems of the invention.

As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the load bearing wearable garments and associated garment systems of the invention thus significantly enhance the load bearing capability of the wearable garments. The load bearing garment systems also facilitate proper anatomical distribution of exerted forces resulting from weighted article(s) in the rear pocket(s) and thereby proper/desired posture by a user.

In some embodiments of the invention, the load bearing garment systems of the invention also include energy absorbing means. As stated above, when standing still, the static force exerted on the body by weighted article(s) in the rear pocket(s) is simply equal to the weight of the garment and the pocket contents. However, peak forces exerted on the body can increase dramatically to as much as 2-fold greater than the static force when one starts to walk or run while wearing the garment. These high, and sometimes jarring, peak forces are transferred to the joints and connecting musculature, and can result in orthopedic and muscle pain and injury.

To substantially reduce or alleviate such peak forces, in some embodiments of the invention, at least one pair of the paired straps 40, 42 includes a compliant section that is adapted to absorb and, hence, reduce the peak forces transferred to the body. In some embodiments, each of the front straps 40 includes compliant section.

Referring now to FIG. 19, in some embodiments, each strap 40 comprises a two piece strap, having a first section 70 comprising one of the aforementioned fabric materials and a second section 72 comprising a compliant material. According to the invention, the compliant material can comprise various compliant (or stretchable) materials, such as Neoprene®.

In further envisioned embodiments of the invention, each strap 40 comprises a compliant material, whereby the entire strap 40 is compliant.

In yet another envisioned embodiment, each of the continuous straps 60, 62 comprises a two-piece strap; a first section comprising one of the aforementioned fabric materials, and a second section comprising a compliant material.

As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and associated garment systems of the invention provide numerous advantages compared to prior art methods and systems for manually supporting and transporting weighted articles (or loads). Among the advantages are the following:

-   -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that significantly enhance the load         bearing capability of the wearable garments.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that provide protection from the         environment.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that facilitate proper anatomical         distribution of exerted forces resulting from weighted         article(s) disposed in or on the garments.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that facilitate proper posture by a         user.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that include energy absorbing means         that reduces peak forces transferred to the body.     -   The provision of ergonomic load bearing wearable garments and         associated garment systems that substantially reduce the risk of         orthopedic and muscle pain and injury from forces exerted on the         body by weighted article(s) carried in or on the garments.

Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, one of ordinary skill can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence of the following claims. 

1. A load bearing garment, comprising: a garment adapted and configured to cover at least a portion of a user's upper torso when worn by the user, said garment having front and rear panels, said rear panel having at least one pocket adapted to receive at least one article therein; and an integral load bearing system adapted to support weighted articles contained in said pocket and redistribute forces resulting therefrom.
 2. The load bearing garment of claim 1, wherein said load bearing system includes first and second pairs of internal straps, said first pair of internal straps being engaged to said front panel, said second pair of internal straps being engaged to said rear panel.
 3. The load bearing garment of claim 2, wherein said first and second pairs of internal straps include adjustable engagement means for removably connecting a first strap of said first pair of internal straps to a first mating strap of said second pair of internal straps and a second strap of said first pair of internal straps to a second mating strap of said second pair of internal straps.
 4. The load bearing garment of claim 3, wherein said load bearing system includes energy absorbing means for reducing peak forces transferred to said user's body, said peak forces resulting from movement of said weighted articles contained in said pocket.
 5. The load bearing garment of claim 1, wherein said load bearing system includes integral continuous first and second internal straps. 